Minnie+Broderick

Minnie Broderick, age 25, died in Minneapolis on April 7, 1889 from complications of a recent criminal abortion.

Dr. Irvine testified that Minnie had come to his practice about ten days prior to her death, saying that she had been unwell since miscarrying. He said that he examined her and found no signs of pregnancy. The three doctors who performed the postmortem examination indicated that she had clearly died from an abortion performed a few days earlier.

Letters Minnie had written to David Price of Helena, Montana showed that she had traveled to Minneapolis for the express intent of arranging an abortion.

The Helena Independent Record waxed eloquent regarding Minnie's downfall:

The deceased was at one time a beautiful young woman, and when in the employ of Mrs. J. R. Shipley, four years ago, was so ladylike she attracted much attention. Subsequently she formed the acquaintance of young women who were not particular about their morals, and Miss Broderick soon fell. The girl's mother came to Minneapolis and induced her to return home. She remained with her parents in Dubuque but a short time, however. She seemed to have companions who were determined she should lead a life of shame, and their influence proved stronger than the influences of home and grief-stricken relatives.

Her body was sent to her family home in Dubuque for burial.

Sources:
 * "The Wages of Sin," //Helena Independent Record//, Apr. 9, 1889